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Comments
We can only hope!
The restyle on the current Pilot was a step back (IMHO
In aesthetics or functionality? The projector headlights are a boost to visibilty,they are brighter. All my vehicles have projector headlights (some w/ HID's) and I think they're far superior to "bulb and reflector" types. :shades:
Almost certainly not, given that it will be in showrooms by May. The tooling must already be in place and the factory gearing up to start production.
Not really. The front is well, interesting, but between two rather dull designs the Pilot is a better package overall, in my opinion. Plus a loaded Highlander gets into MDX territory price wise which really makes it a no brainer to buy the much acclaimed Acura.
I wonder where the Pilot will top out in loaded form ($). I did read somewhere that Honda were adding a new top of the range model above the EX-L. Goodness knows what that will cost. $45K MSRP will get you a nicely loaded MDX and given it's been around for a bit maybe more deals available.
I'm afraid you may be right. There were some minimal changes in the Accord post prototype, but that one was well received unlike the Pilot. I have to imagine they have some room for superficial design adjustments.
They presumably can't be in production yet unless they are secretly storing hundreds of cars somewhere. Maybe the May date will slip. Ultimate release may also depend on remaining '08 inventory.
I find that statement surprising. Most consider the CX-9 to have much better materials and build quality then the Pilot, of which you own. The HVAC controls and stereo buttons are very circa 1990, and pretty loose to the touch.
I also have to disagree with this one. Just went from an 04 Pilot to an 08 CX9 GT, the interior materials are much better on the Mazda. Better quality leather and plastic that doesn't scratch when looked at. I will admit there is a lot less console space with the shifter, but the wife is getting used to it.
HTH
Cheers,
Tess
2009 Honda Pilot DOA? (Straightline)
Early Reactions Sour on Design of New Honda Pilot (Inside Line)
Early reactions to the 2009 Honda Pilot concept that was shown at Detroit have been overwhelmingly negative. Much of the criticism has centered on the front end styling, but even the rest of the vehicle has taken hits by consumers.
There's been a lot of comments about it being too boxy, as many seem to prefer the swoopy styling of other vehicles like the Mazda CX9 and Nissan Murano. I disagree with that. For a "utility" vehicle, which is what the Pilot is, boxy is beautiful.
It should also be noted that Honda has yet to release any details about the mechanicals. Hopefully, like when the production Ridgeline was announced, there will be some very pleasant surprises. If not, Honda may have a tough row to hoe
A lot of folks out there are brand loyal. They only buy Honda/Toyota due to reliability and safety stereo-type. I have owned Mazda CX-9 for one week. It drives like a BMW X5 (hopefully w/o the reliability issues). It is rich in features and low in price (selling at below invoice at most places). It deserves a test-drive if you are in the market for a CUV. I have been a Honda/Acura fan all my life. Honda disappoints me with the recent vehicles (old Pilot, Ridgeline, Accord, Element, Odyssey, new Pilot). I find Mazda more and more interesting. Not too sure about its reliability (my 1st), but I am willing to take the risk.
Great design and engineering is the abiltiy to blend utility with some modicum of style. It seems they just said "to hell" with the style and went all utility. I think the Acura boys just muscled the Honda design team into this so that there is very little overlap with MDX.
I really need to see it in person and give it a good walk around but I kinda like the '08 better at this point.
CX-9 won MetorTrend CUV of the Year
CX-9 won Truck of the Year in Detriot Autoshow.
Not CX-7 you sat in.
When you test drive a '08 Highlander, make sure you look at the quality of the 3rd seat. It is a joke. Make sure you sqeeze the corners of the 3rd bench seatback and tell me what you think of Toyota quality.
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=735490
(sorry if this is a repost)
Doesn't Honda realize why they and (Toyota) are so successful? People like Japanese designed cars with Japanese build quality. If you see the video at vtec.net, you will see the type of people responsible for the new Pilot. Lots of ummms and ahhhhs
The Pilot fits into that category.
Apart from all the other issues which may, in time, become acceptable, safety is non negotiable in my book.
I have already contacted Honda about this and they even had someone call me back. Unfortunately, they weren't able to have an engineer speak to me (engineer to engineer).
In any case, Honda would never admit that using red turn signals is a safety issue, as they would have to recall millions of vehicles to retrofit the much safer and internationally accepted amber turn sign standard
A growing number of people are waking up and finding out they aren't the only game in town.
LOL, that would create two problems, 1- the resale value come down and you would lose money every year when trying to unload it, 2- It won't be cost effective and Honda will either stop making Pilots or come up with a more attractive one for much higher price!
On a serious note, I have a 2006 EXL, 4WD. What are some of your concerns with the '04?
Joyce Honda in Denville NJ says it is normal wear and tear.
First, they acted like we were nuts, tested car, and concluded it was fine. I drove with them, the guy turned it off within 500'.
But even with 100K bumper to bumper (not the drivetrain coverage) they are in denial mode.
I will be picking up a used '02-'03 one day.
Why the imports have been deleting them over the years is beyond me...instead, out Big 3 should be moving toward them in all their models...some Buicks had them in recent years, IIRC...
All or most of my posts on my heated driver seat catching fire are on the heading "seat catches fire" on Edmunds. At first almost 2 months went by before anyone else commented or had similar experiences. Lately there are about 25! I am amazed, watching the "wheels turn" and how slowly some info spreads. Thank God for the internet (and Edmunds). This stuff would never get out. Anyway, what my dealer did was to recover/ reupholster the seat bottom only. It is definitely a patch job. The "leather?" is of a different texture and slightly off color, but what the heck, they (my Honda dealer) got right to it in one day and NO charge. Also, I notice the seat barely gets warm now on any setting while the passenger seat still blasts. Thats ok too. Like I said, if you are feeling a stinging sensation ( mine was on the bottom of my right thigh) Don't leave the seat on unattended.